Roncalli family attends installation of Pope - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Hundreds of thousands packed St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Tuesday to celebrate the first Mass of Pope Francis. Among them, and with a better view than most, was Indianapolis native Tony Hollowell.

A seminarian from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis studying in Rome, Hollowell was chosen among his peers to read at the Conclave Mass before the 115 cardinals who would elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.

"It was a very enriching and powerful experience," said Hollowell.

But he admits he was nervous.

"Two hours before my heart was pounding, and I would just picture my family watching there at home and pumped up [and thinking] don't mess it up!"

Then Tuesday, the Hoosier found himself in the middle of St. Peter's Square - and history - once again. He and other seminarians acted as ushers at the new Pope's installation.

A small role that had a big impact on Hollowell who in a phone interview said, "It becomes very very real being here and being part of it."

One of eleven children, Hollowell grew up in Indianapolis where he attended Nativity Elementary School and Roncalli High School, where his dad, Joe Hollowell is president. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and spent a few years teaching at Cardinal Ritter High School before joining the seminary.

He began studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome last July.

But the events this week, Hollowell believes, helps him feel connected to those back home.

"All these people I've been associated with in Indiana - back home - and I'm able to be a physical presence; a representative of the home grown Hoosier soil. A very imperfect representative, but a representative nonetheless," he said.

While he still hasn't met Pope Francis in person (he says the Pope did pass by him during the installation), this Hoosier seminarian is hopeful about the future of the Catholic Church.

Says Hollowell, "I feel I'm where I"m supposed to be. Not because I see camera crews or see people around the world. I feel like I'm part of something so much bigger than what I can imagine in my own mind and plan and scheme [for] my self."

As he was this week, Hollowell is ready to answer the call, whatever it may be.

"You never know where the Holy Spirit is going to lead and I just try to hang on. It's been a good ride so far."